Utilisation Of Government and Nabard Schemes for Financing Agricultural Working Capital and the Implementation Challenges: An Empirical Evidence from Dhule District, Maharashtra

Ensuring adequate working capital remains a fundamental challenge for Indian farmers, directly affecting agricultural productivity and financial sustainability. In response, NABARD, Central Government, and State Governments have introduced multiple schemes aimed at financing agricultural working capital and enhancing farmers’ financial literacy. However, empirical evidence on actual utilisation and implementation effectiveness remains limited. This study investigates the utilisation of agricultural working-capital schemes and identifies the gaps and challenges affecting their implementation in Dhule District, Maharashtra. Primary data were collected from 419 farmers and 75 institutional stakeholders using structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis using SPSS included reliability and validity testing, one-sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, paired-sample t-tests, and chi-square tests. The results reveal that overall utilisation of schemes is statistically insignificant, while substantial operational and procedural gaps significantly hinder effective implementation. The study highlights the need for improved financial literacy delivery, simplified administrative procedures, and stronger grassroots institutional involvement to enhance scheme effectiveness and promote sustainable agricultural development.